FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get to Papillote once I arrive in Dominica?
See this map for driving directions to Papillote from the Roseau Bayfront. Private taxis can be booked to carry you to Papillote and local bus service is also available from the bus stop in front of Astaphan’s Grocery on King George Street at the east end of downtown Roseau.
If I am arriving by air, cruise ship, or ferry, can you arrange transport for me?
Yes, we are happy to arrange transport by a trusted provider. Please let us know what time you will reach Dominica and if/when you will need transport back to the airport, cruise dock or ferry terminal.
Can you assist me with renting a car?
Yes, we can help you arrange for a vehicle rental. Please inquire using our contact form.
Can you assist me with booking tours to different attractions around the island?
Yes, in cooperation with our partners at the Dominica Discover Authority, we can connect you with trusted tour guides for motor tours of the island or trips to specific destinations like Emerald Pool and the Kalinago Territory. We can also connect you with trusted guides for hiking expeditions to extraordinary places like the Boiling Lake, Titou Gorge, Freshwater and Boeri Lakes, Middleham Falls, Syndicate Parrot Preserve, and many more.
Is there a restaurant on site?
The Papillote Restaurant is presently closed but we are making plans to reopen it. Several restaurants are located near Papillote on the main road, in the village of Trafalgar and in nearby Wotten Waven.
Where can I get groceries and supplies?
Several full-service groceries are available in Roseau, including the well-stocked S-Mart on the main road near Canefield, Astaphan’s, Courts and Fresh. The village of Trafalgar, about a 15-minute walk from Papillote, has a number of small shops, pubs, snackettes and roadside stands where one can buy local food and beverage, eggs, fresh fruits and juices.
Is there a laundry on site?
Our laundry facilities are not currently available to guests, but our staff may be able to wash a few items for you.
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How often will housekeeping service my room?
Our staff will check on your needs during your visit to ensure that you have an ample supply of clean towels. Bed linens are typically not changed for short stays (2-3 nights) but can be changed more frequently on request.
Is the tap water at Papillote suitable for drinking?
While our natural spring-fed cold water is safe for drinking and cooking, we do recommend that you primarily drink the bottled water provided in your room. Our natural volcanic hot water is not recommended for consumption due to its high mineral content.
What is the weather like at Papillote?
Our weather varies by season, of course, but year-round you can expect (and prepare for) a mix of warm, sunny days and cool, rainy days. Because we are in a tropical rainforest, we get a significant amount of rain (300+ inches per year), which comes mostly at night. At times, it will be bright and sunny and sprinkling rain at the same time -- thus the term “liquid sunshine” -- which can also generate spectacular rainbows. We do recommend you bring a suitable rain jacket or umbrella.
What should I know about the volcanic hot pools?
Our natural hot pools, much like a hot tub sauna, are a delightful way to relax in the mineral-rich volcanic waters that flow through our property. The pools often have an orange or brownish cast but the water is not dirty -- the colour derives from high concentrations of iron and other natural, healthful minerals such as calcium, sulfur and magnesium. Please note that the iron in the water readily stains light-colored materials so we recommend bathing attire and towels that are dark in color.
Can I bathe in the hot pools au naturale?
Yes, you may. We only ask you to be discrete and respectful of other guests on the property, especially if there are children present.
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Do you offer guided tours of the gardens or a map for self-guided tours?
At this time we do not offer guided tours but an illustrated trail map is available to guide your explorations.
Can I cook my own food at Papillote?
Our self-catering suites (#6 and #10) each have sheltered, open-air kitchenettes, which include a refrigerator, gas stove, and basic cookware and utensils. We ask that you clean up cooking areas promptly and not leave food items out on the counters where birds and other rainforest critters may help themselves to a snack. If you are not familiar with the operations of a gas stove, please ask our staff for assistance.
Do your rooms have televisions with cable service?
No, televisions, radios and other forms of amplified sound would cause a significant disruption of the quiet, peaceful environment our guests expect. Free wifi is available (ask us for the password) and you are welcome to tune in to your preferred streaming services on your devices. Please use earbuds if you wish to listen to any form of audio, including music. Of course, the best audio of all is the soundtrack of the tropical rainforest: the breeze rustling through the trees, gurgling water, and of course, the natural symphony of myriad birds, frogs and insects that reside on our property.
Are there any dangerous animals in Dominica?
No, our island does not have any animals that pose a threat to humans. If you move slowly and quietly through our gardens, you may see the shy, rabbit-like agouti. At night, you may see the manicou, our indigenous opossum, or a boa constrictor that is mainly interested in catching small creatures for its sustenance.
What about mosquitos and other biting insects?
We have very few mosquitoes at Papillote, thanks to the local population of bats that keep them in check. Some visitors do seem to attract occasional bites from small insects that come out mainly at dusk (“no-see-ums”), so you may want to bring a Picaridin-based insect repellent if they are especially fond of you.
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Is smoking permitted at Papillote?
Smoking is not permitted in our guest rooms (including vapes) but it is not prohibited on our grounds. We do ask our guests to be considerate of others, to smoke at a reasonable distance from our buildings, and to properly dispose of any smoking-related refuse.
Is Papillote handicap accessible?
No, our property -- like most in Dominica -- is located on a steep mountain slope so it is not accessible by wheelchair or by persons with disabilities that significantly restrict their mobility. People of all ages who are reasonably fit and able to walk up and down stairs will have no problems moving about our wilderness retreat.